New Alfa Romeo Giulia coming in 2011, report says

Later this year, Alfa Romeo's Giulia is expected to arrive. The new model, which will replace the aging 159 range, appears to be a larger version of the Giulietta. This new car will use a modified form of Fiat's C-Evo platform that's used in the smaller Giulietta (and other upcoming midsize Chrysler models). The platform, which will be longer and wider, is set to make the Giulia a true D-segment sedan.

The car will use the same suspension arrangement, with MacPherson struts in front, two-link setup in back, as the Giulia. For now, the C-Evo is a front-wheel-drive architecture, but the platform was designed to accommodate all-wheel-drive setups.

This configuration is seen to be useful for a few high-performance variants under consideration. A Giulia GTA, which has reportedly been approved for production, combines all-wheel-drive with a 300hp, 3.0-liter V-6, and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

There is also a 350hp, two-wheel-drive model under development. This could serve as a homologation special for a new race series. Like the 159, the Giulia will be offered as both a sedan and a wagon, and Alfa Romeo expects to produce about 100,000 units annually.

This is a considerable number, especially when you take note that the brand sold only 103,000 cars last year. It's possible though that there could be some extra volume in play; there is mention of a 159 successor as a main offering if Alfa returns to the North American market.